UPFRONT

TOKYO—Shanghai Electric Group (SEC) and Morningside Group (MS) jointly announced the companies have purchased the business rights of Akiyama Printing Machinery Manufacturing through each subsidiary companies in both groups.The new company will be called Akiyama International (AIC) and will succeed all business of Akiyama Printing Machinery. SEC manufactures heavy equipment while MS is a global investment company. The acquisition includes properties, buildings, facilities and patents. AIC commenced operation on January 28 after hiring back a large portion of the employees from the former company. AIC will promote and market the J Print perfector presses and the Bestech model presses.

Presses Highlight New Facility

HONOLULU—The Honolulu Advertiser is bolstering its new 147,000-square-foot production and distribution facility with the addition of two MAN Roland Regioman presses. The facility is scheduled to be completed in 2004. The Regioman can produce up to eight pages per web at speeds up to 70,000 copies per hour.

New Web Press for EU Services

ROCKVILLE, MD—An eight-color Didde 860 web press has been installed by EU Services at its facility here. The press has a 22˝ cutoff and is rated at speeds of 23,000 iph. The company will utilize the UV coating feature for applications including self-mailers that will receive double-sided laser-jet imaging for variable data applications.

Precision Acquires Mail Business

BRECKSVILLE, OH—Precision Printing has purchased the direct mail operations of John Klein & Associates, based in Cleveland. Precision Printing, a 54-year-old, full-service commercial printer, also has a manufacturing facility that is located in Westerville, OH.

Kelmscott Names McBride CEO

SAN FRANCISCO—James D. McBride has been named CEO of Kelmscott Communications, filling the role left open when Ron Jensen resigned in January. McBride formerly served as executive vice president and CFO at Kelmscott. Prior to joining Kelmscott, McBride served as CFO and advisor to International Asset System.